Michele Lynn was an environmental planner for the City of Seattle for many years. She began making pottery at a community art center in Olympia over 40 years ago. What began as a hobby has evolved into a productive Whidbey Island business.
Beach Dog Pottery was established in 2023. Michele comments: “It takes a lot of time and work but it is a true labor of love.” She joined the Whidbey Clay Center in Freeland in that year, and it allowed her to focus on further developing her craft.
Michele’s history on Whidbey Island started in 2008. She and her husband came for a visit, and ended up buying a ½ acre plot on Penn Cove. They began coming to Whidbey every weekend. Then, they purchased Mile Post 19 Farm in Coupeville which they later sold to Wendy and Joe Beedle of the Enchanted Beedle.
Their next business venture was the Cove Cafe on the Coupeville Wharf which they ran from 2016 to 2019. When they sold the Cove Cafe, it gave Michele the time to work on her pottery. After establishing Beach Dog Pottery two years earlier, she now focused on creating her own style of pottery, which she says is inspired by natural elements: earth colors and patterns. Her business is named after her beloved dog, Izzabella, who was her very best friend and ever-present companion on her daily beach walks.
Even though doing pottery requires a lot of time and energy, Michele feels she is doing what she loves to do. She purchased a kiln in February and has begun experimenting more with glazes. When asked what is unique about her work, she says, “Everyone’s pottery, when made by hand, is unique. Every piece is unique. For me, I really like to make pieces that are thin and light.”
She sells her pottery by “popping up” at places like the South Whidbey Tilth Farmer’s Market. Michele announces where she’ll be selling on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She is currently scheduled to be part of the Maker’s Boutique sale on November 7, 8, and 9 at the Greenbank Clubhouse.
